Best Fried Chicken

BonChon Chicken

6653 Little River Turnpike, Annandale; (703) 750-1424

Since BonChon Chicken opened in Annandale, the thought of going to Hooters or KFC for fried bird parts seems preposterous. The small, New York–based chain specializes in Korean fried chicken—the other KFC— in which wings and drumsticks are deep-fried twice and brushed with either a soy-garlic or hot sauce. The Koreans mean it when they say “hot,” too—pitchers of beer on the side are a must. On weekends, the place gets crowded, so prepare for hour-long waits or simply call ahead and order for pickup. Part of the wait, of course, is due to the fact that BonChon prepares everything to order. You won’t find your medium (8 pieces) or large (12 pieces) order sitting under a heat lamp, hardening into something resembling a rubber chicken. So remember if you eat in, this isn’t fast food. Order a beer and chill. The best fried chicken in your life will be on the table soon enough.